Chief Chat: Continuing the war on illegal drugs

Sunday

Dec 9, 2012 at 8:00 PMDec 9, 2012 at 8:06 PM

It was 71 years ago this week that marks the anniversary of that day in 1941 when the Japanese launched an attack on our servicemen at Pearl Harbor, killing thousands and launching the United States into World War II.

It was 71 years ago this week that marks the anniversary of that day in 1941 when the Japanese launched an attack on our servicemen at Pearl Harbor, killing thousands and launching the United States into World War II.

That day in history, provided the catalyst during that holiday season, to bring our nations people together to successfully confront and defeat a terrible threat to our way of life. Now, today, 71 years later we are facing a different type of enemy that if allowed to flourish will too create a terrible threat to our way of life. That enemy is illegal drugs!

Over the past several months your local law enforcement partners have launched an anti-drug awareness campaign to help curb this enemy and rally support from the community in this cause. We have posted new billboards, printed t-shirts and announced the campaign through various media outlets.

This campaign is in addition to the combined efforts already underway in our community, of seeking out and arresting those that choose to violate drug laws and take part in illegal drug activity. We have had a tremendous amount of success over the past couple years and will continue battling this enemy until it is no longer a threat. We would like to thank those of you in the community who continually support our efforts.

Last Saturday, the Rolla Police Department was invited to enter a float into the annual Rolla Chamber of Commerce Christmas parade. Employees and staff from the department created a float that we felt was a lot of fun for the spectators but still got our message across about keeping illegal drugs out of our community. We had a lot of fun with this project and heard from many in the community who said that they really enjoyed our entry.

We learned earlier this week from the Chamber of Commerce that our float was voted best in the parade. We really appreciate that honor and would like to thank those that helped us obtain this honor. We would like to thank Sgt. Ken Nakanishi, Sgt. Vince Giacolone, VIPS volunteers Judy Jepsen, Russell Schmidt and Larry Seest, Cpl. John Frey and Cpl. Derrick Dillon and family, Spo. Frank Hawkins, Spo. Jessie Hoyt, Pto. Kevin Ziegler and family, Stacey Smith and family, Kandi Grisham and family, Explorer Ian Matthews, Res. Brad Gibbs, Jennifer Smith, Connie Giacolone, Spo. Tony Lauth and family, Joyce, Alex and Lucas Williams, D’ettra Kearse, Donnie Matlock, Mark and Sue Eudaly of Travel Tunes, Richard Jones of Jones Funeral Home in St. James and Donna Hudson of One Stop Costume Shop! Thanks to all!

The Rolla Police Department will be participating in the 2012 Statewide Holiday DWI Enforcement Campaign to stop people from driving impaired this holiday season. Enforcement efforts will be increased Dec. 10-16 and will focus on reducing deaths and serious injuries caused by impaired drivers. “Losing a loved one during the holiday season is a tragedy no one should have to endure,” said Sgt. Tim Mayfield. “Impaired driving is a preventable crime, and we intend to crack down so drivers feel secure when traveling on Missouri’s roadways.”

Consider some of the consequences if you are caught driving while intoxicated:

•For the first conviction (or first conviction in over five years), your license will be suspended for 30 days followed by a 60-day suspension if a hardship license is not obtained.

• A second conviction results in a $1,000 fine, a year-long revocation of your license and up to a year in jail. You will also be required to install an ignition interlock system on your vehicle, preventing your car from starting when you have alcohol on your breath.

• Third and subsequent convictions can be penalized with up to a $5,000 fine, a 1-year license denial, and/or up to seven years in jail.

• If you cause a fatal crash while intoxicated, you could be charged with Involuntary Manslaughter, a felony resulting in up to seven years of jail time, a $5,000 fine or both.

In 2011, 234 people were killed and 945 seriously injured in crashes involving an impaired driver. For more Information about impaired driving, please visit www.saveMOlives.com.

In closing, this is the season to give thanks and we would like to thank the church groups, businesses, civic groups and individuals for all the great holiday meals, desserts and other treats that are brought in to our employees. We really appreciate your kind consideration for those who work holidays and weekends to ensure a safe community 24 hours a day, sevendays a week. Thank you.